Justin and Christine were married on Friday!

This gorgeous destination wedding fully embraced the Aloha spirit.  Christine spent a few years on the island of Maui and wanted to share her favorite place in the world with the couple’s friends and family.

Due to the laid back vibe Justin and Christine wanted on their wedding day, we did the majority of our pictures a couple days ahead, which allowed us to explore more of the island.  We drove up to Haiku and found the spectacular setting of an abandoned high school, which was a photographer’s dream come true.  We walked around the surf village of Paia and stopped for fresh organic juice and the best banana bread in the world.  Christine even got a bit of shopping in wearing her wedding gown…it was just a laid back fun day.

The wedding took place on Earth Day, and Justin and Christine woke with the sunrise to take a stroll on the beach and read love notes and their vows to each other.  To make it even more magical, the moon slowly set over the Pacific as the sun rose.  It was gorgeous.

The bustle of the day began back at the condo where Ry-n Shimabuku dolled Christine up with the perfect beachy hair and makeup which looked amazing with her flowy gown from The Wedding Shoppe and the collection of turquoise jewelry she collected over the last few months.  A Haku flower crown from Flowers by Cora completed the look.  We were blessed to work with an amazing team that day including Paper Thick Ink, Aloha Maui Weddings, Wangdu Hovey Cinematography, and Private Chefs Maui as well as some dear friends who helped with the DIY portions of the day, including the gorgeous cake!

Guests gathered at a quiet cove of Po’olenalena Beach mid morning for the ceremony.  A friend of the couple custom wrote lovely words and the couple gave leis to their wedding party and family.  The most touching moment was when Justin presented a lei to the island in memory of his mother.  Accompanied by the lovely sounds of Organic Island Music, Justin and Christine threw orchids into the ocean as a thank you to the island, and then shared a romantic kiss as the waves crashed and the guests cheered.  Ending the event with a group portrait with them giving the shaka sign was Maui perfection.

What I love about Maui is that it is easy to eat fresh and organic, and when Chef John presented the coconut french toast surrounded with lush fresh fruit and a mimosa, it was absolute heaven! Brunch receptions are the best!  After brunch, we were ready to hang on the beach.  The couple met their friends down by the water still dressed in their wedding best for a few pictures in the water before spending the rest of the day soaking in the sun and relaxing.  It was a gorgeous day and we were so blessed to be a part of it!

Justin and Christine, it means the world to us that you had us be a part of your day.  We can’t wait to photograph your reception in Minnesota and will carry the memories of life on Maui in our hearts forever.  You two were fabulous to hang out with and we hope you enjoy your sneak peek!